Alonso reveals admiration for Schumi

[vcs316]

Fernando Alonso has spoken of his respect and admiration for seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher.

Many pundits have raised doubts over Schumacher and Mercedes' ability to challenge for the title this year following a disappointing 2010 campaign and some mixed performances in pre-season testing.

However, Alonso - the man who ended Schumacher and Ferrari's dominance with back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006 - is refusing to write off the German before the start of the season.

"If there is one person I respect and admire, it is Michael for everything he has done," Alonso is quoted by German news agency dpa.

"We have to wait 'til Australia and the first three or four races and see how Mercedes is doing. If Mercedes is fighting for pole position, he will be one of our great rivals."

The decision to cancel the Bahrain Grand Prix has come as a relief to some while others feel it will affect them negatively.

"I don't think it changes much. Nobody really knows how anyone else is doing. This year there were no leaks in the paddock. Let's see who can draw an advantage from the late start," Alonso said.

When asked if Bahrain should still the race, Alonso replied: "They deserve to have that show. Let's hope we can go there in total calm."

Alonso and Ferrari have done a lot of mileage during the three pre-season tests, but the Spaniard is refusing to predict how fast the car will be.

"There is no clear reference point for where we stand. Are we happy with the car? Yes. Is it reliable? Yes. Fast? We'll know in Australia," he said.

"We're not anxious, but we would like to know more. We do not need to change the way we work, there is a lot of work to do. Australia is the definitive moment."

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We are quietly confident, makes me wonder, do we have an ace which we have not shown yet??

[Greig]

Alonso needs to stop the mind games, we all know MS is no match for him

[RedRebel40]

Alonso needs to stop the mind games, we all know MS is no match for him

[Greig]

Another worthy post, maybe you should mention Alonso is arrogant too, seems you only come here to support a rival....now that is boring....

[Hermann]

This not 'mind games' imho. Every sucessful sportman has/had a great respect for big rivals.

Even when they appear to be at each others throat, they do respect each other. The ones who do not (at times) respect each other are the fans of those sportmen.

[Greig]

Alonso must have just found this respect and admiration then as he had none in 2006 etc It's certainly mind games to say MS is a threat when we all know the threat will be coming somewhere else....

[Kingdom Hearts]

This is not mind games, you do mind games against Vettel or Hamilton, not against Schumacher, Michael gives a *@#$ about what others think, mind games on him will be usless.

I remember that a long time ago, Alonso said to the spanish press that when he won the 2006 WDC and Michael went to him after the race to sake his hand, that was a special moment for him, I really think that he respect Michael, maybe admiration like he said. but don't get confused, Michael is not his hero or his role model.

[Greig]

Alonso is not playing mind games with MS, he is using MS to get at Lewis and Vettel, Massa..................

I remember in 2006 he said MS retiring means nothing and he is the most punished driver ever, so much admiration off course

[justjesper]

[Raz]

Alonso is not playing mind games with MS, he is using MS to get at Lewis and Vettel, Massa..................

I remember in 2006 he said MS retiring means nothing and he is the most punished driver ever, so much admiration off course

good point mate, bet Lewser and co will be like "hey, what about us?!"

[Mrs.Domenicali]

I don't think it is all that far fetched to admire what a rival competitor has achieved in their time in the sport, but of course it is natural to want to beat them and prove yourself better and to give no quarter on track. I think Alonso is actually a pretty intelligent respectful bloke (despite how he gets portrayed in the media) and perhaps he does admire what Michael achieved during his time in the sport....and maybe there is a little bit of mind games in there too

Of the current crop of F1 drivers, I think Alonso is the most likely to give Schumacher's records a run for their money - if Ferrari give him the equipment.

[Ste]

I don't think it is all that far fetched to admire what a rival competitor has achieved in their time in the sport, but of course it is natural to want to beat them and prove yourself better and to give no quarter on track. I think Alonso is actually a pretty intelligent respectful bloke (despite how he gets portrayed in the media) and perhaps he does admire what Michael achieved during his time in the sport....and maybe there is a little bit of mind games in there too

Of the current crop of F1 drivers, I think Alonso is the most likely to give Schumacher's records a run for their money - if Ferrari give him the equipment.

I agree.

[Greig]

Yeah cause Mercedes look a real threat, for sure

[Ste]

Yeah cause Mercedes look a real threat, for sure

Never suggested that Mercedes look a threat

[Raz]

wouldn't it be a really big surprise if Lotus got everything right?

[Greig]

Never suggested that Mercedes look a threat

Never said you did

[scuderiafan]

Remind me of the time McLaren and Ferrari were nice to eachother in 2009. They weren't winning. I would say, you are only nice about someone if you know they will not be a rival.

[Hornet]

From what's printed in the article, I don't think Alonso is trying to imply that Schumi or Mercedes WILL be a threat this season. He merely said IF Mercedes could be competitive, then Schumi will make a good competitor.

Its just something you will expect anyone to say. No one will come out and say so and so team definitely does not have any chance this season, that's silly. Anyone at this point will have to say lets just wait and see, and IMO, that was what Alonso said

[racingbradley]

Remind me of the time McLaren and Ferrari were nice to eachother in 2009. They weren't winning. I would say, you are only nice about someone if you know they will not be a rival.

That could be the case.
I still think if he does not admire MS as a driver he certainly admires him for his achievements.

[aroutis]

Alonso needs to stop the mind games, we all know MS is no match for him

No mind games, just his honest opinion for one of the greatest of the sport really.

People should take a hint from Alonso.

[aroutis]

I don't think it is all that far fetched to admire what a rival competitor has achieved in their time in the sport, but of course it is natural to want to beat them and prove yourself better and to give no quarter on track. I think Alonso is actually a pretty intelligent respectful bloke (despite how he gets portrayed in the media) and perhaps he does admire what Michael achieved during his time in the sport....and maybe there is a little bit of mind games in there too

Of the current crop of F1 drivers, I think Alonso is the most likely to give Schumacher's records a run for their money - if Ferrari give him the equipment.

In so many words.

[Greig]

No mind games, just his honest opinion for one of the greatest of the sport really.

People should take a hint from Alonso.

And in 2006 when Alonso was slating him, we should take the hint then? oh just when it suits your personal preference?

[GamD]

Let's not turn this into a general MS thread please

[sagi58]

I don't have a problem believing that Alonso does, in fact, admire Schumi and all his achievements.
I realize there are those who don't believe Schumi's accomplishments are actually "his"; however,
it's obvious that Alonso recognizes that Schumi can be a threat with the right machine! Don't forget
there are a couple of young "pups" on the grid, who have essentially dismissed Schumi's presence!
I can't wait to see him wipe their smug smiles off their faces!!

[Suzie]

"If there is one person I respect and admire, it is Michael for everything he has done," Alonso is quoted by German news agency dpa

[Rob]

I don't think it is all that far fetched to admire what a rival competitor has achieved in their time in the sport, but of course it is natural to want to beat them and prove yourself better and to give no quarter on track. I think Alonso is actually a pretty intelligent respectful bloke (despite how he gets portrayed in the media) and perhaps he does admire what Michael achieved during his time in the sport....and maybe there is a little bit of mind games in there too

Of the current crop of F1 drivers, I think Alonso is the most likely to give Schumacher's records a run for their money - if Ferrari give him the equipment.

totally agree couldnt put it any better.

[justjesper]

What is wrong with Alonso saying this ? Why does it have to be a problem ?

[Greig]

What is wrong with Alonso saying this ? Why does it have to be a problem ?

Why did you have a problem with him saying things in 2006?

[Salvador Dali]

I'm starting to believe Greig has a soft spot for MS. If any title mentions MS he is there slagging someone of...

Miss him much?

[Greig]

Why would I miss a over the hill driver who is making a fool of himself?

Ferrari have 2 better drivers than the Mercedes team has, maybe you miss 2004

who did I slag off out of interest......??? or is that another made up comment to make your post seem more worthwhile....